If it happens, it will mean no more shutting down TPB or any of its domains, and no more searching for which of its proxies has returned online.

Torrent aggregator site The Pirate Bay (TPB) has been facing hurdles from all quarters, and with the United States now breathing down its neck over accusations of piracy and other copyright law violations, there is speculation that it might be looking for newer, more secure shores to host its servers and offer its services.

Now, according to a prediction by TorrentFreak – another torrent aggregator – TPB may end 2017 having moved to some Caribbean country where it has received protection from a number of strict anti-piracy and anti-copyright-violation laws. So, effectively, no more shutting down TPB or any of its domains, and no more searching for when and which one of its proxy sites has returned online.

According to the TorrentFreak prediction: "After nearly 14 years, The Pirate Bay will lose its beloved .org domain name. A few months from now copyright holders will launch a court case and obtain a subpoena against the US-based Public Interest Registry (PIR). PIR previously resisted a voluntary suspension but will be forced to seize the domain by court order."

It goes on to add: "With the Swedish .SE domain also at risk, The Pirate Bay is going to send a special envoy to Antigua and Barbuda, requesting virtual asylum in the Caribbean. This proves to be an excellent match, as Antigua and Barbuda is still engaged in a long-running dispute with the US. The Caribbean nation has already threatened to lift the protection of US intellectual property rights in 2017. In addition, it toyed with the idea of starting its own pirate site."

The prediction does not seem too far-fetched. If TPB can monetise its business model to the extent that it can pay a Caribbean country enough to give it courage to defy the US laws, the scenario has quite a significant chance of coming trues. If it does indeed happen, it could work as a boon for many people [Remember: Not all torrents are illegal], but a bane for many others, who will claim heavy losses in terms of intellectual property rights.